Catalyzing Some Catechizing: Part 1

Hang with me for a minute or two as I introduce you to a really important word that gets me super excited...even though the word is pretty old, kinda cumbersome, and often neglected.

The word?  Catechesis (pronounced “kat ə 'kēsis”).  

Still hangin' with me?  Good.

When I use the word "catechesis" with most people, I've come to expect one of two common reactions.  For some, their defenses go up - they (wrongly) assume this word applies only to some denomination or branch of Christianity they don't adhere to - even if they may not understand what the word really means.  For others, when they hear the word "catechesis" their mind disengages.  After all, catechesis is a church-ey, unfamiliar, four syllable word.  Since they don't have a framework for understanding the term, their mind jumps to something else.

But what if catechesis is worthwhile for anybody following - or considering following - Jesus Christ?  I believe it can be.  In this post I'll try to get us on the same page with how to think about catechesis, and in a few days I'll get more specific with some of the benefits catechesis offers.

Toward a common understanding of catechesis

Here's my (kind of?) simple and (somewhat) broad definition of catechesis: Intentional-teaching-in-foundational-areas-for-formation.  Let me break that down a bit:

• Catechesis is intentional: It's not haphazard or random; rather, it's relatively comprehensive and shows evidence of planning and forethought.  Catechesis is not something that is hoped to happen; it is something that is planned to happen in a certain way.
• Catechesis involves teaching: I'm not talking about a talking head here, lecturing in front of a disinterested classroom.  When I use the word teaching, I'm assuming that content is being handled responsibly, that presentation is thoughtful, and that learning is the goal.  All of these things should be true of catechesis.
• Catechesis focuses on foundational areas: Catechesis zeros in on those things that help lay a solid foundation for continued Christian growth.  Will it cover everything?  No? Is that OK that it doesn't cover everything.  Yes.
• Catechesis is concerned with formation: The goal of catechesis is knowledge.  And character/virtue.  And action/obedience.  Catechesis should form us holistically - in true and relational knowledge of Christ, so we take on the character of Christ and eagerly obey the commands of Christ.

So must catechesis be limited to a series of questions and responses, as it is in some traditions?  Not necessarily.  (Though there's nothing wrong with the Q&A format.)  

Can catechesis only be reproduced with rows of chairs facing forward in a lecture hall?  No; this sort of training or equipping can take place in a variety of environments or settings.  In fact, historically catechesis has had a relational component that is too often neglected when the setting becomes too lecture-based.  (Just keep in mind there's nothing inherently wrong with a classroom setting, either.)

Understood in this way, it's clear that the idea of catechesis (even if you don't use that word) can't be neglected.  The Bible certainly doesn’t neglect the idea – teaching is a key ingredient of formation in both Old and New Testaments.  And church history emphasized this priority as well.  There is evidence from the earliest days of the fledgling church that a formal program of instruction, training, or catechesis was in place.

So let's get intentional.  About teaching.  In foundational areas.  For Christlike formation.

A FEW HELPFUL RESOURCES ON CATECHESIS

I've got a bunch of resources that have contributed to my thinking on catechesis as understood in this post.  (And many of these resources will advance the discussion beyond what I've touched on here.)  Here are three resources I'd point you toward first:

• Benjamin D. Espinoza and Beverly Johnson-Miller, "Catechesis, Developmental Theory, and a Fresh Vision for Christian Education" in Christian Education Journal Series 3, Vol 11, No. 1.  pp. 8-23.
• Jonathan Leeman and Trevin Wax, eds.  "Don't Be Too Cool for Sunday School" 9 Marks Journal, Jan-Feb 2012.  Available online here.  (Last accessed July 2014.)
• J.I. Packer and Gary A. Parrett, Grounded in the Gospel: Building Believers the Old-Fashioned Way.  Baker Books, 2010.

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What's been your experience with catechesis?  Assuming the definition I've put forward here, why is catechesis important?